Team doctor, Kwaku Boateng has said that The health of Kotoko players will not be taken for granted as the club prepares for the 2012/2013 assignment. Team Doctor Kwaku Boateng told Kotoko Express there was a significant decrease in injuries last year, explaining that the situation could be attributed to the comprehensive medical examination the players went through prior to the start of the season.

“When you have baseline medical information, it helps you to know what to do in case of any situation. Last year, we recorded less injury because of the medicals. This year, we are leaving nothing to chance. All the players will all undergo medicals” said Dr. Kwaku Boateng in an extensive interview after guiding three newly signed players through the medicals.

Dr. Boateng said the medicals were being done in accordance with FIFA standards which have been adopted Ghana Football Association (GFA). He emphasized that nothing would be underestimated in ensuring that Kotoko has strong and healthy players.

The medicals comprise Fitness Test, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Ultrasound, Imaging, Visual & Hearing Assessments and Blood Work. The fitness test relates to the players’ speed, strength, power, stamina and endurance but the ECG examines the electrical activity of the heart. The ultrasound checks the functionality of the internal organs and the imaging deals with x-ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

“Under the ECG, we check the blood pressure and pulse and there are two readings – when they are at rest and when they are exercising” he said adding that during the exercise stress test, where the treadmill is used at three different stages for 10 minutes each, the players’ blood pressure and pulse are taken again.

“The imaging is done only after a clinical assessment. If the clinical assessment shows that a player’s knee joints are for instance, unstable, we then turn to the x-ray or MRI”. He touched on the essence of the visual and hearing assessment stressing that hearing or visual impairment could adversely affect a player’s performance.

“That player may not understand instructions from his coach because of the hearing impairment. He may not be able to also give accurate passes for instance, because of the visual impairment” said Dr Boateng who explained that another aspect of the test which is the blood work, involves a lot.

“With the blood work, we have the lever function test, the kidney function test and the hematological parameters or indicators. Under the lever function test, we do the lipid profile, to check the cholesterol level because high cholesterol level could impair blood flow” he stated.

He also explained the idea behind checking the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the players saying that whether or not the players have weight problems could have an impact on their stamina. “With the BMI, we check their height and weight. We find out whether they are underweight, heavyweight, overweight, obese or severely obese. We check all these things and advise them for instance on their diet”.

Dr. Boateng further disclosed that before going through the medicals, which takes between two and three hours, the players are briefed on the essence and procedure of everything. “We seek their consent. We explain things to them. Everything may seem new to them because at their former clubs this was not done but Kotoko is different” he added.

By: Jerome Otchere